Motivating Kids to Play Sports
How to motivate kids to play sports is a hot topic today, given all the news about obesity in our country. It’s also a hot topic for our readers and members, who often ask us what’s the best way to ensure their children are motivated to play sports and enjoy all its benefits. A recent study from Active Network and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Assoc. sheds some light, providing a few surprises—and a few no-brainers.
Here’s the no-brainer, a tidbit we’ve told you over and over again:
Kids are most motivated to play sports when they’re having fun.
In the Active Network study, about 92% of youth and 88% of teens said they participate to have fun. As we’ve said before, nearly 75% of kids drop out of sports by the time they are 13 because they’re not having fun. According to Kristin Carroll, vice president of corporate and consumer marketing for Active Network, the survey uncovered an important no-no for parents. If you tell kids they should participate in sports to lose weight, they won’t participate.
Interestingly, a big motivator for kids is watching their parents enjoy sports.
And that goes for teens as well as young kids, says Carroll. You may think your teens aren’t watching—but they are. In order to be a good role model, you need to find a sport you enjoy and be sure you communicate your enjoyment. In the study, less than 33% of adult respondents said they led active lifestyles for fun. The study results showed a direct link between the number of activities parents participate in and the number of sports and activities their kids participate in.
In fact, 85% of parents with children participating in two or more activities (ie active activities) said they participate in six sports or activities themselves.
Parents, if you want to motivate your kids to play sports, make sure they’re having fun. Find out why it’s fun for them (it’s often because they enjoy the social aspect of sports) and focus on that. Avoid pressuring them and avoid focusing on the score or win. Meanwhile, make sure you take part in sports or activities that are fun for you—and you let your kids see how much you enjoy them.
To listen to the first half of this interview with Kristin Carroll, use the player below:
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Parents’ Role in Motivating Sports Kids
- Coaches: Ensure Kids Love their Sport
- Motivates Kids to Play Sports and Stay Active
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World
We’re certain that, as a parent, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.
Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!